Choosing a Major
Aug 20th, 2009 by Admissions Counselor
At Goucher, we firmly believe that your major does not dictate what you’ll be doing for the rest of your life. It’s a way to focus your undergraduate studies, but it will not limit the rest of the classes you can take, or the careers you can pursue once you graduate. We asked some of our students to share their experiences with choosing and declaring a major at Goucher:
When I first came to Goucher, I was really interested in International Relations. I am a part of the International Scholars Program, which means I still get a global perspective in other parts of my academic life. I started taking voice lessons the beginning of my sophomore year with Prof. Betty Ridgeway and I was hooked! She came from Morgan State University, with loads of experience and advice (which I really needed) and I knew quickly that music was what I was most passionate about. I had always been on the fence about pursuing a career in music because you don’t really know what to expect. I think it was my destiny because no matter what I do, it always comes back to music. So, before I left for Ghana this semester, I officially declared a Music major with a concentration in Vocal Performance. - Nenelwa T. is a junior from Tanzania (by way of Massachusetts)
At Goucher, you are not required to declare a major until the end of the spring semester of your sophomore year. This gives you four semesters to take pretty much whatever you want – lots of time to dabble in many different areas. Even if you come in knowing exactly what your major is going to be, use this time to explore some other courses of study. Take photography. Take horseback riding. Take the course on Russian fairy tales. Take whatever you want! You might find you want to major in something completely different from what you had originally anticipated. Once you are certain of a major, you need to select a faculty advisor in that department. Typically, this is a professor you have had for at least one course in the department – hopefully someone you are familiar with, and who is familiar with you. There is a form you will need to have signed, both by your new advisor, and your previous one (the one you’ve had since freshman year). You drop the form off at Student Administrative Services, and congratulations! You are declared. - Claire R. is a senior from Florida
When I first entered Goucher, I wanted to major in Business Administration… but when I took the introductory course in Psychology I fell in love with the curriculum and the professors in the department. I found all of them to be very warm and accessible. I feel that it is important for every student to feel welcomed in his field of interest, and here at Goucher you get just that. Although you are required to declare your major by the end of your sophomore year, you are still free to explore classes in any other area. - Angelo H. is a senior from Maryland
I am pursuing a double major in English and Sociology. For me, senior year is class-cramming time. I’m taking four English courses and one Sociology course. I finished all of my general education requirements and don’t have time to take classes just for fun. I am a double major and I studied abroad for a semester in Italy, so every semester has been really packed for me. It was worth it, though. I am taking Short Story Writing, Literary Theory, Creative Nonfiction, an Oscar Wilde seminar, and a seminar on the Sociology of Mental Health. All are required for my two majors. - Jaime B. is a senior from Connecticut
Although most students do not know what they want to major in when they first arrive on campus, I did. I absolutely love being a Music major! I find it both challenging and rewarding. Within many majors, there are specializations called concentrations. In Music, you can have a concentration in instrumental or vocal performance, music theory & composition, music history, computer music, jazz studies, musical theater and music and arts administration. Although you are majoring in a particular department, that does not mean that you can only take courses in that field. Although I am a Music major, I have taken business courses, sciences courses, philosophy courses and literature courses. The beauty of a liberal arts curriculum is that you can take a slate of diverse classes that contribute to a well rounded person. Do not stress over your major! If you do not know when you come in, that is just fine! After taking courses the first year and a half you will begin to get a feel of what subjects and areas you enjoy. - Arreon H. is a senior from Maryland